Jon Rocha

Jon Rocha was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1999 to 2004. He earned a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York, Cortland in 2016. His career experience includes working as a director of operations, corrections officer, and in manufacturing. As of 2024, Rocha was affiliated with Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Elks, the National Rifle Association, and Great Lakes Gun Rights[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a Marine Corps Veteran and current Corrections Deputy for my county. I have lived my life serving country and community and continue to serve throughout with various organizations. I am a father of two amazing children and a former small business owner. I have worked my entire life with my hands and now it is time to give back to those who continue to keep Michigan running.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Transparency: You must be willing to be honest and upfront with the people you serve, even if it is not the popular thing to do. We do not see enough of this in today's legislature.Accountability: It is ok to make mistakes, but being able to hold yourself accountable to those mistakes, as well as hold others accountable for theirs, is the mark of a great leader.Integrity: If you say you are going to do something, do it! If you say you will support something, support it! Do not sit back and try to play 'politics' with the electorate. They will see through you.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Veterans issues.

Budget

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My father. That man continues to work till this day. He has always maintained and supported his family through his tireless effort every day!

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Money Ball. In this film, a regular man used outside the box thinking and unconventional reasoning to build a successful championship team.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Transparency, accountability, and integrity. We do not see enough of these principles today and it is time we do! Leaders are forged in their trials and created within the annals of hardship. We must do better if we are to earn the trust of the people back.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

The ability to be a statesman. This is a lost trait in divisive politics today. We need to have more statesman to provide thought provoking, inquisitive discussions that bring forth actual solutions to the issues of the people in the State, not just the people that surround the legislative bubble in Lansing.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Support and Defend the Constitution. The role of the elected official is to ensure the government does not overstep the bounds of the Constitution.

What legacy would you like to leave?

One who provided for the people, did not capitulate on principles, and stood his ground regardless of the pressure.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember the Challenger explosion. I was young but I remember the emotions and how distraught everyone around me was in the gravity of the moment.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked for my dad as a dishwasher at his restaurant when I was 13 years old. I worked there for a little over 2 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible. It is the blueprint for serving our Lord and ever lasting life.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Tony Stark

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Our God, is an awesome God!

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Knowing that I do not fit into any particular group or click. I am very versatile.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The legislature should be the driving force of state and the Governor should allow them to do so. The governor's role is to help steer, but never be the driver.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Income stagnation, inflation, and a lack of good paying jobs.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I have found that most of the time, previous experience leads very little difference in the actual job duties.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

It is important to build relationships just as with any business relationship. However, that is not what an elected official is there for.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

A little bit of Rand Paul, Jim Jordan, with a splash of Matt Gaetz.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Not at this time.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

There is the story of Ryan Curtis, a Marine who was tragically killed while on duty. I have spent many hours with his mother, helping her to collect information for and to help her find closure with her son's premature death.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I do not have a favorite, but dad jokes are the absolute best!

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes. Checks and balances are an important part of our Republic.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The first bill I would introduce would be a Constitutional Carry Bill.

What committees interest you?

Veterans Affairs

Appropriations

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

My view is there is not enough of it and I intend to introduce legislation that would make government even more transparent.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I appreciate that Michigan is one of 9 states that have the ability to change and modify laws through a ballot initiative process.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a Marine Corps Veteran, father of two, constitutional conservative running to restore our Republic. Taking back the house with true conservative values and principles without bending.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We are a nation of self governance and it is time that we restore that founding principle.We are a nation of laws, derived from God, and written out on our Constitution.We can differ on opinions of policy, but a destruction of morals and principles cannot stand and should not be the crux in which legislation sits on.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Appropriations

Veterans Affairs

Infrastructure

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Leaders that have made leadership a character quality that I Revere. My father. Someone who took the responsibility of three children as a single father, worked three jobs when we were younger, and provided for us growing up. He never hinted that he was tired or we were a bother, he just did what had to be done. My Mother (step mother), Dona, who raised us when she was 19, doing everything she could do it make sure there was always food on the table or we never went without for birthdays and holidays. Taking on that responsibility at such a young age and never complaining one time. SgtMaj Malu, my SgtMaj in the Marine Corps. A leader who cared about his Marines, was not afraid to push back when rules or regulations passed down seemed to go beyond normal orders, and commanded respect not because of his rank but because of the leadership qualities he embodied. And PJ Fleck who was my head coach as a student assistant at Western Michigan. PJ was able to morph a vision into reality through mentorship, motivation, and the realization that every person ‘in the boat needed to pick up an oar and row.’

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility for anyone elected to any position of office is to protect and defend the Constitution.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want the people to know just how much I was willing to sacrifice to bring their voices back to our government.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was 5 years old when the Shuttle Challenger exploded. I remember just how devastating it was not truly understanding the impact it had on the world.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Sound of Silence remake by Disturbed.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship would be seeking the understanding of the legislatures and their constituents, not to take personal biases as you see fit for personal gain.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe it can be beneficial for legislators to have previous experience, but that does not mean that makes them a better legislator. History is full of bad leadership in our government from the top on down. Those who have never served in politics can bring a much needed perspective to decision makers that often times is forgotten.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Building relationships with your co-workers always makes for a better understanding of their views and perspectives. I would caution, however, that building relationships with other legislators is not the intention of holding office, but simply to uphold and protect the Constitution.

Note: Rocha submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on January 22, 2022.

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May 10 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am someone who is tired of complaining about the issues and is ready to get something done! A Marine Corps Vet, football coach, father, and Patriot, ready to serve once again!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am not a rich politician. I am just a man tired of NOTHING being done in Congress, wiling to put it all out on the line to bring the People's Voice back to Congress.Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness is a simple principle that for whatever reason we have pushed away from. EVERY American deserves these opportunities and God Given Rights.The Government NEEDS to be reduced! We should be operating under LIMITED Government, not the conglomerate that runs every facet of our lives. Today.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a Veteran and a Dad, I would say our Military and Veterans, and our Education system. I would love to dig in deeper to our Budget, as Congress has seemed to given up on this idea of 'balanced budgets.'

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Leaders that have made leadership a character quality that I Revere. My father. Someone who took the responsibility of three children as a single father, worked three jobs when we were younger, and provided for us growing up. He never hinted that he was tired or we were a bother, he just did what had to be done. My Mother (step mother), Dona, who raised us when she was 19, doing everything she could do it make sure there was always food on the table or we never went without for birthdays and holidays. Taking on that responsibility at such a young age and never complaining one time. SgtMaj Malu, my SgtMaj in the Marine Corps. A leader who cared about his Marines, was not afraid to push back when rules or regulations passed down seemed to go beyond normal orders, and commanded respect not because of his rank but because of the leadership qualities he embodied. And PJ Fleck who was my head coach as a student assistant at Western Michigan. PJ was able to morph a vision into reality through mentorship, motivation, and the realization that every person ‘in the boat needed to pick up an oar and row.’

What legacy would you like to leave?

A fighter that brought back the PEOPLE's voice to the halls of Congress.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I can remember seeing and hearing about the Challenger Explosion in 1984 and my parents talking and watching it. That was my first historical memory that I have.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. I grew up with dinosaurs and reading this book and the science fiction mixed with childhood wonderment still amazes me today!

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Tony Stark from the Marvel Universe

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Sound of Silence remake by Disturbed.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

It could be beneficial but what we have seen over the last several decades are politicians with DECADES of experience and yet Congressional Approval continues to hover under 25%. If that is an indication of what "experience" can do for us, I do not want it.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Governmental overreach and control have plagued the nation. From Constitutional Issues, to political bias, to interjecting every aspect of our lives with the control arm of the law. This is far from the Founders vision of us living "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness".

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Veteran Affairs, Budget, Nutrition and Forestry, Rules and Regulations

Tell us your favorite joke.

Dad jokes are all I do.